Hello all, I'm in a trade for a pair of Smith revolvers; a Model 29-10 (6.5" barrel) and a Model 15-3 (6"). All I know about these guns are that they're .44Mag and .38Spl, respectively. Would like to hear from other owners of these guns why they like them or don't like them, etc. I know the 29-10 has that dreaded lock, but I have a model 620 that also has the lock and it hasn't bothered me at all.

Those are two fine guns and you should get a lot of pleasure from them. Are you sure the 15-3 is a 6-inch gun? That would be unusual.

The lock on the Model 29 is the never-ending controversy around here. If you dislike the thing, it is a simple matter to make it inoperable so the gun cannot "lock itself," which is the big worry everyone seems to have. I would use the gun and see if it causes you any trouble. I have a couple of lock guns and don't use them a lot, but have yet to see any sign of problems. It seems that they do show up from time to time, in isolated cases - but nothing too widespread.

Yes - the seller sent me some pictures of both revolvers and the 15-3 is certainly a 6", unless it's some trick photography or something. Why is the 6" so unusual?

In any case, I'm excited because I've been looking for a real, blued-steel 29, I'm not as thrilled by the 629, and don't particularly care for the full-lugged look, either - which is why I chose a 620 over a 686.

Because the Model 15's were not made in a 6". The Model 14, which for all intents and purposes would be the same gun with a 6" barrel. The Model 15 is a Combat Masterpiece. The Model 14 is a Target Masterpiece. (Model 14's were also made in 8 3/8" barrel lengths.) Unless of course someone re-barreled a Model 15 with a Model 14 6" barrel, but I don't see the purpose unless they just wanted to be able to claim they had the only 6" Model 15 there is..........

I couldn't comment on the 38 but m29 should be a fine shooter, I have a current production 629 that has over 5k worth of magnums through it with no sign of wear , I haven't had the locks engage in any of my guns including some very aggressive recoiling ones, that new 44 will make you a fine sixgun

Ah - interesting. Perhaps the seller made a typo and it is indeed a Model 14. Based on the pics he sent me, it does in fact look like it has a target style front sight (as opposed to the ramp with orange insert).

Later Model 15s could come with a 6-inch barrel, but those made during the -3 era were exclusively 4-inch and 2-inch, unless I am forgetting something. When the 6-inch versions came along I can't recall, but that was a puzzler to me - made no sense, given the history of the names/model numbers. I would bet that gun is a Model 14. Either way, you will like it. They are great guns - very pleasant to shoot with target loads.

Awesome. Now it looks like I'll finally get that push to start reloading, if I want to be able to shoot that .44 at all!

The 44 is a very easy cartridge to handload, and doing so should save you a considerable amount of money. Additionally, if you will stay a bit below the top-end of the loading data, it will save a lot of wear and tear on the gun AND you.

Many 44 shooters are quite happy with loads far below the max. A 240-250 grain cast LSWC at 800-1000 FPS is great fun in the Model 29 for plinking and casual target shooting. The same bullet at around 1200 FPS is plenty of gun for almost any use, with the right powder does not stress the gun too much, and still is not too bad to shoot if you equip your gun with stocks that work for you.

You can get a lot of good out of handloading for your K38, too, so don't overlook that one. The 38 Special does not have the range of performance that the 44 Magnum does, but the variety is there.

They're mine! Ten days until they get out of quarantine and I get to take them home!

Was talking to the previous owner about the unusualness of the 6" barrel on the 15-3 (and indeed it is a 15-3 when I opened the crane), and he mentioned that he'd done a little research and found out that someone had indeed replaced the barrel with what looks like a Model 14 barrel. However, it's really well done - not a bubba job by any means. The only tell-tale is perhaps the slightly misaligned top grooves from the barrel to the topstrap, as well as the fact that the very rear of the barrel doesn't flow smoothly into the front of the frame where they mate together:



However, you'd really have to know that you're looking for it to notice. In addition to the overall fit and finish of the barrel replacement and the gun as a whole, the DA pull is like warm butter on hot toast - just silky smooth. I can't wait to try her out!

Some pron on the Model 29 as well:



According to the previous owner, this 29-10 must've been one of the earlier ones because the grips weren't the skinnier ones typical of the new ones, but rather, seemed to be of the fatter, old-style variety.

That 29 looks like its wearing Kframe targets

I think you're right. I didn't even notice when I was handling it - but I see now how it doesn't quite fit the frame. Whatever - they feel great in my hand and I think they look decent. I may later have to get N-frame ones. I'm thinking Holly or faux-ivory. I like the ivory with blued steel look.